Dual wind energy power enhancer system

ABSTRACT

A dual inlet flow wind power generating system is disclosed having two inflow chambers directing air flow into a common turbine. In one embodiment, a second phase of air flow directly impinges on the air blades of the turbine to provide multi-phased air flow with enhanced power generation. Two inflow chambers may be configured on either side of the common impingement chamber and the system may be configured around a vertical axis. Additionally, air deflectors in one or more chambers may direct flow into a flow tube and may be configured as a positive flow vortex inducer. A negative flow vortex inducer is also described, whereby air is directed by air deflectors to reduce the pressure at the outlet end of a flow tube. In another embodiment, a dual outlet flow system is described having a single inflow chamber and two impingement chambers for second phase air flow.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No.13/352,259 filed on Jan. 17, 2012, which is a continuation in part ofU.S. application Ser. No. 12/834,722 filed on Jul. 12, 2010, which is acontinuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/355,411, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,753,644 filed on Jan. 16, 2009, which is a continuation inpart of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/608,658 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,488,105filed on Dec. 8, 2006 which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/766,003 filed on Dec. 29, 2005; all of which, intheir entirety, are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed toward wind driven power generating systems,and in particular, wind driven power generating systems useful for theproduction of power, such as electricity. In one embodiment, the presentinvention comprises an adjustable air scoop inlet section, an airturbine section of unique design, and an adjustable outlet section,which may include an adjustable drag curtain or outlet barrier forenergy efficiency and system capacity considerations, to use theprevailing wind to produce power from the air turbine. The air turbinealso utilizes a second phase of prevailing wind flowing through oraround the outlet section to provide additional drive directly orindirectly to the turbine blades in a second stage of power production.The air turbine's exhaust flows into the outlet or exit section, whichre-entrains the exhaust air into the downstream prevailing wind.

2. Description of Related Art

There have been a number of patent applications and issued patents whichare related to wind power generating systems. The most common commercialmethods to date have been turbines with blades that are directly drivenby the wind without a collector or wind concentrator. Horizontal axis(i.e. axis of rotation is horizontal) turbines are probably the mostcommon with vertical axis systems also being significant. These systemsare simple, reasonably efficient, and commercially successful.

Wind power has surprisingly good economics and is capable of producingelectricity at cost structure significantly less than 10 cents per kWh,commonly at 5-6 cents per kWh. Economics of wind power are constantlybeing studied and compared to existing methods of producing power whichmay be approximately 4 cents per kWh for large customers. Thisalternative energy production method has also been encouraged by taxincentives and special grants. There is now an expectation that eachyear increasing amounts of electricity will be generated by wind power,as well as other alternative energy based technologies.

Unfortunately, existing wind turbine designs have not been as widelyadapted as is economically feasible. There are unforeseen problems withpublic reaction to the unsightly nature of the turbines and their visualdominance on a landscape, especially where there may be multipleinstallations of air turbines, often moving at different speeds androtations with respect to each other, which may be viewed at the sametime by a casual observer. There have been other issues. Existing windturbines are often high off the ground, which increases maintenancecosts due to poor accessibility. Some turbines have to reduce theiroperating speeds due to birds colliding with the turbine blades. Thereare infrastructure problems, where high voltage transmission lines areunavailable in favorable wind areas.

An example of a vertical axis turbine is described in U.S. Pat. No.4,017,205 where a vertical turbine is integrated into a dome structureand the prevailing wind from any direction is meant to create anupdraft. The goal is to create an upward force through a turbine whichis useful for any wind direction. However, the practicality of thedesign is highly questionable. The air is not uniformly and forciblydirected through the generating turbine in a highly efficient andeffective manner. The entrainment of the turbine exhaust air back intothe wind is poorly thought out, and the lower directing surface wouldallow the turbine inlet air to flow easily around it horizontallywithout moving vertically.

Another example of the use of a vertical axis turbine is U.S. Pat. No.4,309,146 where a vertical turbine is meant to be driven by a verticalairflow from a horizontal wind, which is directed upwardly by use ofcurved blades. An upper venturi creates a draft for the vertical airstream. The practical aspects of the design are highly limited. There isrelatively little surface area where the wind is ‘caught’ and directedupwardly compared to the surface area of the power generating blades.The upper venturi, as illustrated, is poorly thought out from a flowre-entrainment and throughput standpoint as a large volume of horizontalwind is required to move a relatively small amount of vertical air.Moreover, as described in the previous paragraph, the vertical flow ofair is not forced upwardly through the inner chamber. The draft isgenerated more from the venturi effect, which is known to be a weakerforce. The airflow is more likely to move around the blades than bedirected vertically.

Similar to the previously described patents, U.S. Pat. No. 4,365,929discloses a vertical axis turbine that uses a building to ‘catch’ thewind and direct it vertically upward into the turbine. Various bladesare installed on the building surface in a design attempt to force theair to flow upwardly into the turbine. The venturi design does notconsider appropriate methods to re-entrain the turbine exhaust air backinto the prevailing wind in an efficient manner, and the design isoverly complicated. Additionally, as stated for previous patents, theair is not forcibly directed through the generating turbine, and thelower directing surface would allow the air to easily flow around ithorizontally without moving vertically. As illustrated, the amount ofsurface area that is engaged with the prevailing wind compared to thecomplexity of the overall system is small. Also, the efficiency of thewind ‘catch’ and wind ‘discharge’ has not been carefully planned.Further, the building is a fixed size, and it is difficult to optimizethe whole design when the wind ‘catch’ area is a constant size. Varyingwind speeds require different surface ‘catch’ areas for efficientoperation. It is less appealing to have the air intake close to theground as the wind speed is lower.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,478 shows a vertical axis windmill that uses aunique outer wall with specially designed moving baffles to create aforce on one side of the vertical rotating axis to cause rotation.However, the design of the air stream through the central opening of theframework and the closed baffles is inadequate. The surface area of theouter baffles far surpasses the ability of the framework to vent any airdirected inside the framework.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,761 discloses a vertical axis fan turbine utilizingthe prevailing wind to draw air upwardly through the turbine by aBernoulli effect. As stated previously, a relatively large volume of airis needed to create the vacuum needed to draw a significant amount ofair vertically, and the effect is not as efficient as other methods.

EP0003185 teaches the use of a large flexible canopy over a land area,such as a canyon, to create air movement through an air turbine. Thisdesign is not configured to catch a prevailing wind from any direction,and the simple structure is likely to be damaged in a high wind. Theoverly large design is meant to catch the movement of air from a thermaleffect when the air is heated by the sun.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,116,581 discloses a windmill comprising a sphericalstructure that is divided into two hemispheres with the upper hemisphererotating to catch the wind. One side of the upper hemisphere is cut awayto direct the wind downwardly into the lower hemisphere and through avertical axis air tube and turbine. An axial structure supports a shaftcarrying a multi-bladed turbine of selected diameter centered in the airtube exit opening. The shaft is connected to a generator inside theaxial structure. Only the air through the upper hemisphere providespower. No thought is given to providing a large exit space just afterthe turbine blades where the prevailing wind is allowed to enter andadditionally generate power by rotating the turbine blades.

U.S. Pat. No. 993,120 discloses a vertical wind-mill which utilizes avertical axis shaft, a casing having surface openings, a large cylinderwith scoop-like vanes or blades mounted on a shaft, and the cylinderrotates to generate power. U.S. Pat. No. 4,017,204 describes wind motorswhich are propelled by the impact of the wind against the vanes of animpeller wheel, and wind channeling plates to gather the wind from alarge area and funnel it at increased density and pressure to applyagainst the vanes. Again, in both of these patents no thought is givento providing a large exit space just after the turbine blades where theprevailing wind is allowed to enter and additionally generate power byrotating the turbine blades.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,952,058 discloses a wind energy conversion system, whichincludes upper and lower wind turbines having counter-rotating bladeassemblies supported for rotation about a vertical rotation axis. A hoodfor supplying intake air to a wind turbine and an exhaust plenum forexhausting air from the wind turbine, with the hood and the exhaustplenum being directionally positioned is provided. U.S. Pat. No.4,398,096 describes a wind-powered electric generator using a largeopening/collector which routes the wind through an inner ducting andexhaust ducting in an “s” or “z” shaped flow. U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,907discloses a wind collector with a side by side pair of power generators.None of these patents provide a large exit space just after the turbineblades where the prevailing wind is allowed to enter and additionallygenerate power by rotating the turbine blades.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the intention of this invention to overcome the difficulties,problems, obstacles, visual distaste, and poor economics of previousdesigns. In one embodiment, the present invention uses an adjustable airscoop inlet section of variable geometry, an air turbine section ofunique design, and an adjustable outlet section with variable geometryto utilize a first phase of the prevailing wind to provide power. Theair turbine can also utilize a second phase of the prevailing wind as asecond stage of power production from the air turbine. This wind,flowing directly through or around the air turbine and outlet sectionsin combination with the first phase of prevailing wind, can use either afull, or partial exit drag curtain or exit barrier, or no drag curtainor barrier at all, in order to provide additional power from the overallair turbine system. The air turbine exhaust may be configured such thatexhaust air enters the outlet section in a manner that re-entrains theexhaust air into the downstream prevailing wind under negative pressureby way of an adjustable exit drag curtain or exit barrier.

For the purposes of this patent application, the term “outlet section”and “exit space” are considered synonymous. Also, the term “phase”refers to the first and second phases of the prevailing wind asintroduced to the system in its entirety, while “stage” refers to thefirst and second stages of air injection to the air turbinespecifically.

Where there are discrepancies between the disclosure of the presentapplication and a disclosure of a prior application listed in the crossreference to related applications herein, the disclosure herein shalldominate and supersedes all prior applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B show an embodiment of the general arrangement of theinvention.

FIGS. 2A-2I show additional preferred embodiments of the system whichinclude lower section enhancements to utilize in various ways the secondphase portion of the prevailing wind.

FIGS. 3A-3H illustrate several air scoop geometry shapes and exit dragcurtain arrangements as mounted on a rotating circular T-rail andsupport cage assembly.

FIGS. 4A-4B show an embodiment where the turbine blades are locatedwithin an air flow tube.

FIGS. 5A-5B show how the present invention may be adapted for use as ahorizontal axis turbine incorporating important features for the airscoop and exit drag curtain.

FIGS. 6A-6B show another embodiment of the general arrangement of theinvention.

FIGS. 6C-6E show how the inlet air scoop may be utilized to vary the airturbine power output by various rotations relative to the prevailingwind.

FIGS. 7A-7C show another embodiment of the present invention installedon a new or existing home or office building roof.

FIGS. 8A-8C show a self-correcting method of orienting the air scooprelative to the prevailing wind by use of two opposing air foils withoutthe use of an auxiliary jogging mechanism.

FIGS. 9A-9C, 10, and 11 are embodiments of the present invention wherevarious types of air turbines and air blades are used to exploit airflow in a general “S” shaped flow pattern through the power generatingsystem equipment.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of the present invention of orienting theair scoop toward the prevailing wind.

FIG. 13 is an embodiment of the present invention where the powergenerating equipment is staged on a roof in a split air turbine designwhere heating of the air flow is utilized.

FIG. 14A is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention wherethe enhanced multi-phased power generating system comprises an inflowchamber and an impingement chamber.

FIG. 14B is a top down view of the enhanced multi-phased wind powergenerating system shown in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the enhanced multi-phased windpower generating system shown in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 16A is a side view of an enhanced multi-phased wind powergenerating system having an inflow chamber and a turbine extendingtherefrom.

FIG. 16B is a top down view of the enhanced multi-phased wind powergenerating system shown in FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17 is a side view of an enhanced multi-phased wind power generatingsystem having a plurality of air deflectors.

FIG. 18 is a side view of an enhanced multi-phased wind power generatingsystem having a plurality of air deflectors attached and configured tomove as a function of the prevailing wind direction.

FIG. 19 is a side view of an enhanced multi-phased wind power generatingsystem having a plurality of air deflectors configured within theimpingement chamber and a fence material covering and impingementchamber.

FIG. 20 is a side view of an enhanced multi-phased wind power generatingsystem having an angled surface that extends to the turbine creating aventuri.

FIG. 21 is a side view of an enhanced multi-phased wind power generatingsystem having an impingement chamber with a fixed structure closing offa portion of the open area, and fence material covering all openingsaround the impingement chamber.

FIG. 22 is a top down view of an enhanced multi-phased wind powergenerating system having a plurality of air deflectors extending fromthe turbine, and a plurality of air defectors extending from thechamber.

FIG. 23 is a top down view of an enhanced multi-phased wind powergenerating system having a plurality of air deflectors configured aroundthe turbine.

FIG. 24 is a top down view of an enhanced multi-phased wind powergenerating system having a plurality of air deflectors configured aroundthe turbine.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional side view of an enhanced multi-phased windpower generating system having an air scoop configured inside of theinflow chamber.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional side view of an enhanced multi-phased windpower generating system having a plurality of air deflectors attachedand configured to move as a function of the prevailing wind direction.

FIG. 27A is cross-sectional side view of an enhanced multi-phased windpower generating system having an air scoop configured inside of theinflow chamber and a plurality of air deflectors configured on theexterior of the chambers.

FIG. 27B is a top down view of the enhanced multi-phased wind powergenerating system shown in FIG. 27A.

FIG. 28 is cross-sectional side view of an enhanced multi-phased windpower generating system having two turbines configured around a commonaxis.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side view of an enhanced multi-phased windpower generating system having a flow tube extending from the inflowchamber.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view of an enhanced multi-phased windpower generating system having a turbine configured within a flow tubeand partially extending into the prevailing wind.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional side view of an enhanced multi-phased windpower generating system having a turbine configured within the inflowchamber and a configuration of air deflectors to create a low pressureover the flow tube.

FIG. 32 is a side view of an enhanced multi-phased wind power generatingsystem configured horizontally on the side of a building.

FIG. 33 is a side view of an exemplary dual wind energy power enhancersystem comprising two inflow chambers and a single impingement type airoutflow chamber for multi-phased air flow.

FIG. 34 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary dual wind energypower enhancer system comprising two inflow chambers and a singleimpingement chamber for multi-phased air flow.

FIG. 35 is a top down cross-sectional view of an exemplary dual windenergy power enhancer system.

FIG. 36 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary dual wind energypower enhancer system comprising a vortex inducer.

FIG. 37 is a top down cross-sectional view of a vortex inducer of anexemplary dual wind energy power enhancer system.

FIG. 38 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary dual wind energypower enhancer system comprising two inflow chambers each having apositive vortex flow inducer and a single impingement type air outflowchamber for multi-phased air flow.

FIG. 39 is a side view of an exemplary vortex induced wind energy powerenhancer wind power generating system.

FIG. 40 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary vortex inducedwind power generating system.

FIG. 41 is a top down cross-sectional view of a vortex inducedmulti-phased wind power generating system.

FIG. 42 is a front view of an exemplary wind energy power enhancersystem configured on top of a building.

FIG. 43 is a front view of an exemplary multi-phased wind powergenerating system configured on top of a building.

FIG. 44 is a front view of an exemplary multi-phased wind powergenerating system configured between two buildings.

FIG. 45 is a front view of an exemplary dual wind energy power enhancersystem configured on top of a building.

FIG. 46 is a front view of two exemplary wind energy power enhancersystems wind power generating systems configured on top of a building.

FIG. 47 is a side view of an exemplary dual outflow type dual windenergy power enhancer system comprising a single inflow chamber locatedbetween two air impingement type air outflow chambers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system designed to produce electricity atcost effective rates in an environmentally friendly manner at poweroutputs of approximately 0.10 to 50 kW. It is especially useful in areaswhere the wind velocity and turbulence increases in places that occuraround small hills and tall buildings. It may be employed successfullyin the heavily populated downtown sections of major cities. Multipleunits can be utilized and may be sized for any given location as theopportunity may arise. Generally speaking, areas with average windspeeds of at least 12 mph are considered to be the most favorablelocations for wind power.

FIGS. 1A-1B show two cross-sectional views of a preferred embodiment,general arrangement of the invention. A large air scoop 101 made from aflexible material, such as used in the sailing industry, is hoistedabove a vertical axis power generating turbine 110, 111 in order toutilize the upper prevailing wind 117 and direct the maximum air flowpossible at maximum available velocity head pressure downward andthrough the integrated flow tube and power generating turbine assembly.The air scoop 101 is held in place by two masts 102 which are stabilizedwith suitable guy wires 119, 124 and are mounted on a circular rotatingT-rail 115 and support cage assembly 116. A directing air flow tube 121directs the incoming air flow and air pressure uniformly and downwardlyinto the turbine rotor assembly 110. The air from the flow tube 121 isrouted most appropriately in a more or less radial direction from theinside to the outside edge of the reverse fan type turbine rotorassembly 110 which is connected to the power generator 111. The flowtube 121 is connected to the circular rotating T-rail 115 and supportcage assembly 116 and both are held and stabilized in position relativeto each other by three or more sector type support plates and struts109. Additionally, and optionally, directing frontal air scoops 104, 105are added to provide a more even air flow and pressure distribution intothe flow tube 121. The air scoop 101 is positioned to optimally face theprevailing wind by the moment arm created between the center of therotating air scoop assembly and the prevailing wind's force upon twostabilizing vanes 103 which are fixed to the two masts. The stabilizingvanes 103 will most naturally be positioned by this self-correctingmoment arm parallel to the direction of the prevailing wind. Thestabilizing vanes also move the circular rotating T-rail 115 and supportcage assembly 116 so that the air scoop 101 continuously faces directlyinto any useful amount of wind in an optimal manner. A small stand-offtype support strut 124, projecting directly upwind from each of the twomasts in parallel, extends the leading edge of the air scoop at theelevation of the T-rail and support cage assembly to the up-wind edge ofthe air tube assembly to increase the wind capturing effectiveness andefficiency of the air scoop. In one embodiment, the stabilizing vanesare air foils as described later.

A suitable design, as conceived in this invention, for the rotatingT-rail 115 and support cage assembly 116 is a circular, 360° horizontalT or I beam ring type structure 115 which rotates within a verticalchannel beam ring type structure 107 by means of the three or morerubber wheel type support assemblies 108. The rotating T-rail 115 andsupport cage assembly 116 also supports the air scoop, the flow tube andthe exit drag curtain sections 112 of the vertical wind turbine assembly110. The rotating T-rail also maintains their relative positions andalignments with respect to the incoming prevailing wind 117 and thevertical wind turbine assembly 110, 111 respectively. The floor of thesupport cage assembly 116 surrounding the flow tube inlet comprises aheavy duty hurricane fence, wire mesh type material that is designed forlight foot traffic only. The wire mesh floor is in turn covered with aflexible material similar to that used on the air scoop 101 and exitdrag curtain 112 assemblies to help direct the collected wind's air flowdownwardly into the flow tube assembly. As an option, the inlet portionof the flow tube 121 may also be covered over with the same heavy dutyhurricane fence type material used for the floor of the support cagetype structure for safety considerations, if appropriate, but is notcovered over with the flexible material. The inlet to the flow tube canbe provided with a converging type conical or bell mouthed configurationto reduce the pressure losses through the flow tube.

The circular rotating T-rail 115 and support cage assembly 116 is heldin place, yet is free to rotate horizontally by three or more stationarysupporting structures, each of which is located more or less equallyspaced around the outer periphery of the T-rail and support cageassembly and is detailed as follows. Multiple support posts 114 arefirmly anchored to the ground and attached to the 360°, circular andstationary, half box channel support beam 107 with the three hardenedrubber wheels 108 mounted at three or more equal spaced intervals aroundthe stationary channel beam support structure. The T-rail 115 iscontained by the three wheels 108 to only allow rotation of the circularrotating T-rail and support cage assembly in a horizontal plane 116. Ifnecessary, an optional jogging motor 123 may be employed on one wheel tooptimally orient the air scoop based on wind direction sensors, whichare incorporated as part of the one or more stabilizing vane 103assemblies. Alternatively, the T-rail system may be located at thebottom of the support cage assembly to provide a simpler, more costeffective design.

To prevent the lower prevailing wind 120 from adding back pressure tothe turbine blades 110 and lowering overall efficiency, an exit dragcurtain 112 or blocking plate (exit barrier) is attached to the circularmounting T-rail and support cage assembly. The exit drag curtain or exitbarrier may be of a flexible sail cloth type material similar to thatused for the inlet air scoop and suitably stiffened or backed up by alattice work or ribbing, such as heavy duty hurricane fencing. The exitdrag curtain 112 protects the area under the circular mounting T-railand support cage assembly from the lower prevailing wind 120 forapproximately 180° in circumference on the up-wind side. Stiffeninggussets or struts 113 are used to provide additional stiffness to theexit drag curtain assembly 112 both to hold the desired shape of theexit drag curtain against the force of the prevailing wind and toprevent wind damage. The primary purpose of the exit drag curtain 112 isto prevent back pressure on the turbine blades and allow the turbineexhaust air to re-entrain with the downstream prevailing wind 118 in anefficient and slightly negative pressure manner.

In FIG. 1A, the air caught by the flexible air scoop 101 plus theinherent vacuum generating characteristics of the 180° circumferenceexit drag curtain 112 design create the total motive force for thepreferred embodiment. Variations to this preferred design are discussedin other figures. These variations provide for additional enhanced powergeneration capabilities. These wind turbine power enhancements are aresult of the various amounts of vacuum or negative pressure that can becreated within and at the exit plane of the outlet section or exit spaceby various adjustments to the exit barrier or drag curtain. The amountof negative pressure depends on the physical construction of the airscoop and the shape of the exit drag curtain upstream of the air turbineexhaust, as well as the relative velocities realized throughout theinvention. A larger air volume caught by the air scoop compared to theair flow through the turbine, along with an optimally designed exit dragcurtain, creates an overall favorable differential pressure across theturbine and a higher power output. The drag curtain, where used, isdesigned to increase the negative pressure at the outlet of the turbineand in the exit space. For the purposes of this application, the term‘exit barrier’ is used to refer to the drag curtain, and also refers toa less efficient barrier that is not designed to increase the negativepressure at the outlet of the turbine and exit space.

For protection and security of the overall system, an optional hurricanefence type enclosure 122 may be employed at ground level andincorporated into the support posts 114 in a manner that allows for freeair flow.

FIGS. 1A and 1B do not show any details of the turbine blade design. Thetype of blade and number of blades are based on an engineering designthat provides high efficiency for any given size and for the projectedand prevailing wind conditions available for each site. However, atleast one elongated blade that rotates about its center is necessary,and preferably there is a plurality of blades. The blade design must behighly efficient at extracting power from the air flow, such as commonlyseen in various fan blade and turbine blade designs. A detail of theseal between the flow tube and turbine blades is not shown. However, theseal should be flexible and allow the blades to rotate in a safe andreliable manner without any significant loss of power resulting from airleakage around the turbine. It may be possible to align the equipment toa close tolerance with minimal clearance so that a mechanical seal isnot necessary. Any seal system utilized should also provide a reasonableservice life. The electrical generator system may be directly connectedto the turbine blades, or a belt system may be used. Alternatively, agearing system may also be used.

In one embodiment, the flow tube and blades are aligned axially, but thefan blades are not inside the flow tube. That is, they are not withinthe volume defined by the geometry of the flow tube. The flow tube actsas a transitional piece to convey the air efficiently from the air scoopand to direct the air toward the air fan or air blades. In anotherembodiment, the air blades are within the flow tube.

The turbine blades may be a reverse flow “centrifugal fan rotor” typedesign and mounted on the discharge end of the flow tube assembly. Thisdesign can potentially exceed the Betz limit factor of 59.3% energyrecovery of the available wind's air flow through the flow tube. Theblades may be of a helical design, similar to turbine roof vents as usedon top of buildings, such that the prevailing wind energy is imparted inmultiple phases to the wind turbine in a multiple staged effect fromboth the inside and the outside of the wind turbine assembly. The“reverse flow fan design” means that most of the air flows from theinside smaller diameter of the fan rotor blades to the outside largerdiameter of the fan rotor blades. The remaining air flow, powering thesecond turbine stage, comes from a second phase of the prevailing windthat enters through the exit section directly on to the periphery of theair turbine assembly, which is especially effective at generating powerfrom the air turbine at lower wind speeds. The air turbine design may beof a combination type, including any suitable combination of air bladetypes including a combination backwardly-curved and air foil type bladeconfiguration, such that the turbine exhaust air flows counter to thedirection of rotation of the fan rotor assembly at lower wind andturbine rotor speeds, (i.e. reaction flow) so that the force of the airflow against the fan blades is on the reverse side of the blades. Thiscauses the generator to rotate in a direction counter to the air flowdischarging from the outer diameter of the reverse fan type air turbinerotor.

One embodiment of the present invention is to design the air turbineblades to be inherently over-speed limiting in relation to the speed orvelocity of the prevailing wind. This can be accomplished to some extentby a careful selection of particular blade features. Another embodimentis to have a combination of air foil and bucket type turbine bladedesign features utilized in the air turbine blades so that both thehighest and lowest wind speeds possible are most efficientlyaccomplished with a maximum range of wind speeds utilized. The combinedmoving bucket or impulse (i.e. drag) plus reaction type design of airturbine blades as is utilized with multi-phased wind flow type windturbine rotor and air blade configurations provides for maximum torqueat the lowest possible wind speeds, while an air foil type design (i.e.lift) of the same air turbine blades provides for more optimumcombinations of overall wind turbine performance and torque at thehigher wind speeds.

Assuming a constant 28 mph prevailing wind speed, a suitable design forthe flow tube internal diameter is approximately 10 feet in diameter,which will provide sufficient air flow to the turbine rotor to generateapproximately 3,000 to 10,000 watts of useful power. The amount ofuseful power depends on the overall efficiency of the specific windturbine, the turbine blade design and the type of electrical powersystem utilized for any specific application. Suitable gearing, pulley,and belt drive systems can be employed between the air blades andgenerator to provide normal generator rotational speeds. Additionally, avariable frequency type induction generator with a frequency convertercould be used either alone or in combination with the mechanicalrotational speed increasing type drive systems to accomplish the samepurpose.

A low pressure loss protective screen made of the same heavy dutyhurricane fence type construction used for the floor of the T-rail andsupport cage assembly can also be provided at the inlet to the flow tubeor the air scoop, where necessary, to protect operating personnel,flying birds, etc. from being drawn into the turbine blades.

The cross-sectional area ratio of the air scoop perpendicular to theprevailing wind and the turbine blade inlet section or flow tube sectionshould be at least 1:1 for most single-phase wind energy power enhancersystem embodiments; and it could practicably be up to 6:1, dependingupon the available wind energy. There is no maximum ratio, only a ratiothat is practical and economical for each application and intendedpurpose. In some multi-phased wind energy power enhancer systemembodiments, the ratio may by be less than 1:1, such as 0.01:1.0 orgreater. The air scoop could be adjustable in size, perhaps utilizing anauto sail rigging system, to vary the air scoop to flow tubecross-sectional area ratio based on the available wind velocity. The airscoop size may be fixed for a given application, or it may be varied inshape or size to provide power based on wind conditions, such as averagewind velocity and direction.

The present invention, which, in some embodiments, comprises the airscoop inlet section, integrated flow tube and air turbine assemblysection, and air outlet section which may contain an exit sectionblocking barrier or drag curtain may be of a variety of cylindrical andrectangular shapes. The materials of construction can be metal, wood,plastic (especially fiberglass), or fabric (i.e. sails, scoops, orcurtains) of either a clear, transparent or opaque construction as isbest suited for the environment where the present invention is to beinstalled. Various stiffening structures for rigidity may be employed,where appropriate or required.

The security fencing system, previously mentioned, may be employed tosurround, yet be an integral part of the power generating structure thatcomplies with any required code or regulation for public safety. Thefence will protect the public from rotating parts and electricalcomponents. A security fence has other known benefits. It is important,however, that the fence type enclosure structure does not hinder the airflow into the present invention in any significant way.

The present invention has a more pleasing, aesthetic appearance as itconceals the turbine rotating generating parts from public view. Ascontrasted to conventional, high visibility wind turbines mounted ontowers, the present invention provides a more fixed geometry which hasmore of an appearance of a building with an air scoop or sail mounted ontop and facing the wind rather than a mechanical windmill and supporttower fluttering in the wind. In visibly sensitive areas, such as insidecity limits or within visible sight from public transportation areas,the present invention clearly provides less eye disturbance.

The preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1B does not have to beinstalled at the ground level. It is possible, and perhaps desirable, toinstall the invention on top of a building structure, such as a talloffice building. If the structure is installed on the side of a hill,the orientation of the air scoop may need to be rotated about an axisthat is substantially perpendicular to ground orientation. In this case,the concept of vertical would be relative to the ground orientation.Alternately, the angle may be somewhat misaligned relative to the groundorientation, but still substantially vertical.

The arrangement shown in FIGS. 1A-1B is a preferred embodiment. As analternative, the air scoop may be located below the vertical axisturbine and the exit drag curtain or exit barrier may be located aboveit.

For easy installation in a variety of locations, the flow tube andcircular rotating T-rail and support cage assembly may be shipped in twoor more segments to facilitate transportation requirements and assembledin the field.

FIGS. 2A-2B show another embodiment of the power generating system.Again, a large air scoop made from a flexible material and shape israised above a vertical axis power generating turbine as alreadyexplained for FIGS. 1A-1B. An upper prevailing wind 201 and lowerprevailing wind 202 are used to generate electricity through powergenerating turbine blades 204 a, 204 b and exhaust the air into thedownstream wind 203. However, in this embodiment, the upper turbineblade section 204 a is connected to a lower turbine blade section 204 bthat is specifically designed to utilize the lower prevailing wind 202to provide additional rotating force for power generation. Equally, thetwo blade sections could be designed to be integrated into one overallturbine blade section or assembly to obtain any desired performancerequirement. FIG. 2B is an abbreviated top view which shows only thecircular rotating T-rail and support cage assembly 205, the flow tube206, the upper turbine blades 204 a, and the top of the exit dragcurtain 207. As shown, the exit drag curtain 207 has been reduced toprovide only a 90° coverage and allow the lower prevailing wind 202 tobecome partially concentrated and to pass over only the lower turbineblade section or sections 204 b on the down-spin side while producingadditional drag on the up-spin side with improved, more effectiveexhaust air flow conditions accomplished from the air turbine. In thisview, the turbine blade rotation is clockwise.

Similarly to FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C shows an exit drag curtain 210 containinga slotted type air injection nozzle 211 which has been formed to directa concentrated air jet from the prevailing wind onto the down spin outerperiphery of the air turbine, yet wraps the upstream side of the airturbine assembly with more than a 180° arc in a more air form manner.FIG. 2D shows another exit drag curtain 212 geometry with potential usein some applications. FIG. 2E shows the projected air flow pattern if noexit drag curtain is used, and the air turbine blades are designed toutilize the lower prevailing wind in addition to the air provided by theair scoop. FIG. 2F shows another possible exit section or space-partialdrag curtain 220 geometry.

Similarly, FIGS. 2G, 2H, and 2I show another embodiment of the exit dragcurtain in plane view 230, 231 a which has an adjustable, variablegeometry type design to change the exit drag curtain's drag coefficienteither manually or automatically, as required. A curved, fixed portion230 is attached to two straight portions that are parallel to each other231 a and connected by hinges 232. FIG. 2H shows the straight portions231 b which have been slightly directed inward from the parallelposition, toward the center of the exit space on each side. An angle of10° inward from the parallel position, as illustrated, may beadvantageous in some wind conditions to create a more air form type drageffect. The angle could also be varied by mechanical means to as much as90° outward from the parallel position, to the position 231 c as shownin FIG. 2I, on each side to accomplish a “bluff body,” also referred toas a flat plate or collar, type drag effect of the drag curtainaccording to the prevailing wind velocity. In these cases, the exitcurtain has a variable geometry, and can be varied or adjusteddynamically when the winds change or whether a particular geometryprovides appropriate optimum power for a given wind condition.

FIGS. 3A-3D show alternate arrangements of the air scoop and exit dragcurtain. FIG. 3A shows the air scoop as outlined in the embodiment shownin FIGS. 1A-1B, except the flexible air scoop 301 lower edge matches theopening of the flow tube 302. The exit drag curtain 304 covers a 210°arc around the power generating area with enhanced power generatingeffect and, as previously illustrated, is attached to the circularrotating T-rail and support cage assembly 303.

FIG. 3B shows an embodiment where the flexible air scoop 305 terminatesat substantially a single point 306 above the flow tube opening 307 andutilizes an A-Frame mast 308. The lower exit drag curtain 309 onlycovers a 90° arc around the power generating area under the rotatingcircular T-rail and support cage assembly 310.

FIG. 3C shows an embodiment where the air scoop is a multiple hingedawning 311 that may be raised to a suitable height on the circularrotating T-rail and support cage assembly 312. The lower exit dragcurtain 313 covers a 120° arc around the power generating area. Theflexible air scoop illustrated in FIG. 3C does not have to be made froma flexible material. Rigid material could also be used to create the airscoop and still provide the variance in shape and size needed foroptimal power generation. There could also be more than the two multipleawning sections 311 illustrated, and they may all be a different shape.

In FIG. 3D the flexible air scoop 314 is substantially triangular instyle and mounted on the rotating circular T-rail and support cageassembly 315. The lower exit drag curtain 316 is wrapped inapproximately a 270° arc, and is aerodynamically formed around the powergenerating area with the intent being to create a maximum vacuum typeeffect at the outlet of the air turbine to enhance the output powercapability.

In FIG. 3E, the adjustable air scoop is supported by two telescopingmasts 320 of adjustable height. The air scoop is shown configured forcollecting wind when the prevailing wind speed is low or more turbulent.In FIG. 3F, the same adjustable air scoop is reduced in size bypartially lowering the telescoping masts and scoop sections. The airscoop is then configured for collecting wind when the prevailing windspeed is moderate. In FIG. 3G the same adjustable air scoop is reducedto a minimum size by completely lowering the telescoping portions of themasts and scoops. The air scoop is then configured to collect wind whenthe prevailing wind speed is very high. Alternatively, sailboat typesails could be used here that could be “let in” or “let out” as desiredor required, and the sails could be rolled up as appropriate with mostsailing vessels.

FIG. 3H shows an embodiment where the flexible air scoop is supported bya central vertical mast 321 which is, in turn, supported by gussets 323or guy wires 322. In this case, the rigging may be similar to sailboatrigging, and used to raise and lower the flexible air scoop.

In FIGS. 4A-4B, a cross-section of various embodiments of the presentinvention, similar to FIGS. 2A and 2B is shown where a propeller 410 islocated within the flow tube 420. This simplified design is a lowercapital cost, but provides lower efficiency and capacity. FIG. 4B showsthe exit drag curtain 430 with 208° arc coverage. This arc coverage is apreferred embodiment and provides an optimum design in some situations.

Optionally, the exit drag curtain may be fixed to the direction of theprevailing wind, and may be varied in size rather than rotated with theair scoop. For example, the exit drag curtain may be provided inadjacent and over-lapping damper or louver type segments on verticalaxis orientated support shafts that are each opened and closed through amechanical means to provide a similar end result to rotating a fixedgeometry curtain with the air scoop.

The exit drag curtain, or exit barrier, as described herein, is designedto utilize the air drag effect created by the upstream air flow from theprevailing wind around the exit drag curtain. Conversely, exit barrierscould also be used in certain applications as wind concentrators whenlocated on the upstream side of and in parallel with the air turbineblades in the second phase of the prevailing wind. The average or bulkvelocity of the exit air, after being exhausted from the air turbinethrough the exit air space, is lower than the average prevailing windvelocity. The entrainment between the two air streams can thus bedesigned to occur in an efficient manner by an appropriate exit dragcurtain design which incorporates the most optimal drag effect possiblefrom the prevailing wind to create a slight vacuum or negative pressurewithin the exit section or exit space at the point of re-entrainment.

One distinct advantage of the present invention is the ability toregulate the amount of air that is brought through the turbine airblades, and to regulate the power output. It is desirable to maintainpower production in a high speed wind by reducing the size of the airscoop. The amount of air throughput can easily be reduced with orwithout the air turbine system being in operation to preventover-speeding of the turbine blades. It is also desirable to design thesize of the air scoop to match a particular location. For example, ifthere is a lower amount of average wind, the air scoop size may beenlarged. In this way, an optimization may be more readily found in avariety of locations utilizing a more standardized turbine design.

The power generated from the prevailing wind energy may be employed increating compressed air, hydraulic pressure, pumping water, orreciprocating motion. It is not a requirement that the system isemployed to generate electricity. However, electrical generation is apreferred embodiment.

The present invention may be adapted to smaller operations that utilizewind energy for the creation of needed power. For example, the teachingsof the present invention may utilize existing structures as an air scoopand direct the air flow through a vertical axis turbine. A sailboat, forexample, may use the wind pressure on the sail and direct a smallportion of the air captured by the sail through a vertical axis turbine.The inlet section would be an inlet duct on the upwind side of a sail,and the outlet would be ducted to the downwind side of the same or othersails on the vessel. The inlet section, outlet section, and associatedductwork could be of a fixed or flexible design, and could then berouted to some convenient location where the turbine would be located.This same air flow could also be used to ventilate below deck quarterswithin the sailing vessel in series with the air turbine system througha suitable duct type system. This same concept could also be utilized ona non-powered barge type vessel. The power generating system could beused to charge batteries for general sailboat or barge power, or topower a small auxiliary electric outboard motor.

A prevailing wind exit drag curtain to protect the air exhaust space, orexit space, downstream of the air blades is not necessarily arequirement of the present invention. However, it provides an importantimprovement in operational efficiency and enhanced capacity. In somecases, operational efficiency and enhanced capacity is not a paramountconcern, such as in a remote area where the power need is infrequent.

FIG. 5A shows another embodiment of the present invention and ispreferred in some situations. A rigid air scoop 51 directs air from theprevailing wind 56 horizontally through air blades 52 which drive apower generator 53. An exit blocking curtain 54, similar to the inletair scoop in design, but rotated approximately 180 degrees from thedirection of the prevailing wind, protects the turbine air exit spaceand allows the exit air 57 from the turbine air blades to reenter theprevailing wind in an optimal manner. Stabilizing or directional airvanes which may or may not be of an opposing air foil design 55 causethe entire structure to rotate on a rotating base 58 based on theprevailing wind direction, to keep the air scoop 51 facing theprevailing wind. Alternatively, a Fechheimer type-highly directionallysensitive-velocity sensing probe could be used to help optimize theposition of the air scoop and drag curtain via an air scoop joggingmotor relative to the prevailing wind. This structure may be useful forsmaller power generating systems.

Similarly, FIG. 5B shows another embodiment where the air scoop 59 isoriented vertically and allows rotation about the vertical axis 60 asillustrated. This air scoop can easily be directed to face theprevailing wind via a jogging motor. The exit drag curtain arrangement61 comprises a second air scoop type structure which also rotates abouta vertical axis 62, but always discharges in the downwind direction ofthe prevailing wind. Other wind blocking arrangements, such asillustrated in previous figures, could also be employed.

The air turbine does not necessarily need to be of a verticalaxis-down-flow design to work cost effectively and efficiently. However,the air scoop section should always face into the wind, and the outletdrag section should most desirably face away from the prevailing wind ina multiple wind phased, multiple turbine staged wind energy effect foroptimum wind turbine system effectiveness and power capacity.

Data from a test rig, where a prevailing wind was captured by a combinedair scoop and exit drag curtain system designed according to theteachings of this invention, is shown in a table below. The test rig wasdesigned so as to direct the captured air flow downward from theadjustable inlet air scoop into a vertical duct, turned 90° into ahorizontal duct or air tube where the air velocity was measured, andthen turned 90° again into an adjustable exit drag curtain configurationwhich discharged in the downwind direction from the prevailing wind. Airvelocity measurements were made using a rotary vane type wind meter anda hot wire anemometer of the prevailing wind and the air in thehorizontal duct or air tube respectively and simultaneously:

Prevailing Horizontal Wind Air Tube Velocity or Duct Flow (fpm) Velocity(fpm) 411 641 521 652 554 563 810 837 818 906 623 Avg. 720 Avg. Increase16%

Great care was taken to ensure that both meters were reading comparablewind velocities when placed side by side during the hot wire anemometerto wind meter calibration exercise and just prior to inserting the hotwire anemometer into the horizontal flow tube. Higher air-tube to windair velocity differentials recorded were discarded due to non-uniformwind speeds or gusts prevalent at the time these readings were taken.

Surprisingly, the measurements show that the air velocity in the airtube could be consistently increased to above the velocity of theprevailing wind when directed to the horizontal duct, demonstrating thatthere was no significant loss of wind energy. One readily concludes thatthere is no significant loss of available energy in the duct air flowwhen compared to the available energy in the prevailing wind. One alsoconcludes that the combined inlet air scoop and downstream exit dragcurtain system is highly effective in capturing the available windenergy in a multiple phase or multiple staged manner. The credibility ofthis experimental evidence was also verified by various flowcomputational methods, which are known in the art.

The exit drag curtains provide concentration of the energy availablefrom the lower or second phase of prevailing wind upstream of the airturbine assembly. They also enhance the available pressure drop acrossthe air turbine blades. This is done by the inherent vacuum creation ordrag effect of the lower prevailing wind's velocity around the exitspace from the turbine. This vacuum effect can be optimized byutilization of the wind concentration effects around the exit dragcurtain relative to the lower velocities present at the inside of theexit drag curtain. The ultimate design for each application willconsider the specific drag curtain geometries employed in the outletsection to obtain the most optimal air entrainment mixture ratespossible downstream of the exit drag curtain. For example, when morethan a 180° exit drag curtain arc is used, the optimum mixture anglemight easily be at a 15° straight converging included angle, or, as muchas a 0 to 60° straight diverging included angle. Even a “bluff body”diverging angle of up to 180° may be considered in order to obtain themost optimal re-entrainment conditions possible. Extensive physical andmath modeling may be required for each application considered todetermine the optimal re-entrainment angles for most effective remixingor re-entrainment of the two re-combining air streams back into a secondphase of the prevailing wind.

The basic principle of a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1B isbased on the “S” type or reverse pitot tube type design concept foroptimizing and maximizing the velocity head differential achieved from agiven air velocity. This type of probe is especially useful at lower airor gas velocities. For example, the pressure differential from an “S”type pitot tube in an air stream will be higher than for a standardpitot tube where the low pressure tube is oriented only 90° to the airflow direction. Additionally, relatively minor defects in the downstreamoutlet nozzles outer surface for an “S” type pitot tube are also knownto affect the final calibration factor applied to a specific “S” typeprobe as tested and calibrated in the laboratory.

The structural, mechanical, instrumentation and control and electricalsystems that safely and reliably convert the rotational energy output ofthe vertical air turbine to safe, useable power are well known in theavailable art and are not a part of this invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are another embodiment of the present invention. Agenerator 611 at ground level is driven by a vertical shaft 614 which ispowered by a radial fan 615. The radial fan 615 is driven by air fromtwo phases of the prevailing wind in two stages: one force internal andthe other force external to the air turbine assembly. The internal aircomes from the flow tube 616 which traps air from the first phase of theprevailing wind 620 in front of the entry air scoop 613 which createspressure in front of the flow tube 616. The external air comes from thesecond phase of the prevailing wind 620 blowing across the periphery ofthe radial fan 615 blades which are designed to utilize both theinternal and external air flows in a first and second stage; that is, afirst and second stage of air injection to the air turbine. The exhaustair then proceeds to the exit space 618 immediately surrounding theradial fan, and entrains back into the prevailing wind downstream of theinvention. In this case, the exit space is defined by the change in airflow direction from a principally radial direction to a prevailing winddirection, rather than being defined by any specific ductwork orequipment geometry. Additional features include a positioning motor 619to rotate the air scoop 613 and partial exit space drag curtain 621which is rotated to follow the prevailing wind direction, a safety fence612, and a brake 617 which can be used to prevent over-speeding of theradial fan. In this case, the safety fence as shown is intended toprevent people and small animals from entering the equipment. The exitspace partial drag curtain and exit barrier 621 are optional features.

FIGS. 6C, 6D, and 6E show one method of how the air scoop is used inthis embodiment. The view is a simplified top view and the air scoop isa fixed geometry 180 degree barrier. The air scoop 613 a, 613 b, and 613c is rotated as the prevailing wind 620 a, 620 b, and 620 c increases inmagnitude. In FIG. 6E the air scoop additionally blocks the air flow sothat there is no wind into the flow tube and the equipment is protectedin a high wind. Another air scoop method is to utilize an air scoopwhich is adjustable similar to the adjustable drag curtains shown inFIGS. 2G, 2H, 3C, 3E, 3F, and 3G and which are used to both concentrateand direct the flow of air both upwardly and into the flow tube and airturbine section.

FIG. 7A is another embodiment of the present invention. A radial fan ofa wind powered turbine roof vent type air turbine design 73 is installedon a new or “Green” home or office building roof 72 which receives airflow from both a first and second phase of the incoming prevailing wind71, as discussed previously. An adjustable air scoop 75 directs air flowupwardly into the inner diameter of the air turbine blade assembly,which exhausts outwardly into the exit space immediately surrounding theair turbine. Optional adjustable turning vanes 74 inside the adjustableinlet air scoop provide for enhanced air flow efficiency. Dualstabilizing-counter air foil type wind vanes 80 rotate the adjustableair inlet scoop to keep it oriented to the wind. Only one vane can beseen in this view. An additional plan view in FIGS. 8A-8C shows moreclearly the self-correcting features of this design as the winddirection changes relative to the air turbine and air scoop inletsections, as well as depicting more accurately the actual location ofthe two stabilizing air foils. A steel structure 76 supports the airscoop, the air turbine, and a vertical rotating shaft 77 which transmitsthe rotating power downward to the electric generator 79. The verticalrotating shaft is preferably a suitably balanced tube, such as a pipe orstructural tubing, and may be as much as 12″ in diameter. The verticalrotating shaft optionally provides structural support of the airturbine, both radial and vertical. The air turbine may also be supportedby the steel structure (not shown) by way of the rotating cage assembly.In this embodiment, the transfer of power between the air turbine andgenerator is done by a smaller flexible shaft by independentlysupporting the horizontal wind forces on the air turbine via therotating cage assembly. The steel structure and rotating shaft arepreferably embedded into the walls, floors, and ceilings of a new homeor office building and are completely hidden from view. In oneembodiment, the roof turbine blades are of a reverse fan type design.Where the vertical rotating shaft goes through the structural supports,suitable bearings and supports Sl_(a), Sl_(b) are utilized.

In FIG. 7A, air flow from the prevailing wind on the turbine bladesprovides power from two stages of air injection created from two phasesof prevailing wind flow as previously discussed. The air scoop may belocated either above or below the air turbine blades, depending upon thechoice of the designer. The generator is installable at ground level, ina basement, on a second floor, or just below the roof line, dependingupon local conditions, floor layout, and construction costs.

FIGS. 7B and 7C illustrate the installation of the roof mounted systemon a new “Green” home or office building and also on an existing home oroffice building on a retrofit basis respectively. In the case of aretrofit, the installation most favorably would be done by an additionto the original home or office building as shown in FIG. 7C. Thestructural steel needed to support the wind turbine system and supportthe wind loads could be easily hidden from view by various combinationsof added enclosures to the existing home, such as a garage, storage shedor various room additions. Also, architectural siding could be used as amore cost effective method for concealing the steel support structure,which would provide various lower cost options for a garage,porte-cochere, car port, storage rooms, battery and generator rooms,etc.

A dual stabilizing-counter air foil system as shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and8C works to correct the multi-phased vertical wind turbine systemorientation relative to the prevailing wind such that the inlet airscoop faces directly into the wind at all times. This is accomplished bythe two opposing air foil type stabilizing fins located toward the rearof the rotatable and supporting cage structure of the wind turbinesystem. When the inlet air scoop is facing directly into the wind, asshown in FIG. 8B, both air foils are at minimum and opposing lifts on ahorizontal or side to side basis and thus there is no correctionaltorque on the support cage to rotate it in either direction.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C show a self-correcting method for automaticre-orientation of the inlet air scoop to always face the prevailing windby use of two opposing air foils. The use of two air foils 85 providesfor a dual stabilizing-counter air foil system design that automaticallyand continuously corrects the air scoop orientation so that it facesdirectly into the wind at all times. This is accomplished by thepositioning of the two opposing air foil type stabilizing fins towardsthe rear of the rotatable support cage and air scoop structure wherefully exposed to the prevailing wind. When the inlet air scoop is facingdirectly into the wind as illustrated in FIG. 8B, both air foils are atminimum lift angles to the prevailing wind 86 b, such that the opposinglifts are minimal. Therefore, there is no correctional torque on thesupport cage to rotate it in either direction.

When the wind 86 a shifts relative to the inlet air scoop, as shown inFIG. 8A, the lift on the left hand (when viewed from upwind) air foiltype stabilizer fin increases significantly, with zero or no liftexperienced by the right hand air foil type stabilizer fin. Thus, therotatable support structure corrects by rotating clockwise until the twostabilizer fins are again balanced and the inlet air scoop is againfacing directly into the wind as shown in FIG. 8B. When the wind 86 cshifts relative to the inlet air scoop, as shown in FIG. 8C, the lift onthe right hand air foil type stabilizer fin increases significantly,with zero or no lift experienced by the left hand air foil typestabilizer fin. Thus, the rotatable support structure corrects byrotating counterclockwise until the two stabilizer fins are againbalanced as shown in FIG. 8B and the inlet air scoop is again facingdirectly into the wind.

FIGS. 9A-9C, 10 shows an embodiment of the present invention wherevarious types of air turbines and air blades are used in a novel methodto exploit air flow in a general “S” shaped flow pattern through thepower generating system equipment. A vertical configuration is shown,i.e. a vertical rotating axis for the air turbine and air blades, but ahorizontal configuration could also be used. Also, passive air dampersare used to direct the air flow based on simple air pressure rather thanrotate a flexible air scoop and maintain its direction into the wind.The passive air dampers are actuated by the prevailing wind, per naturalair pressures, and by gravity.

Additionally, deflection dampers may be used to enhance the efficiencyof air collection by rotating a surface area into the wind to provide anair scooping surface. In another embodiment, the deflection damper isused in combination with the passive air dampers. It also used as aregulating intake damper when a passive in-flow damper is not used. If adeflection damper is used with an out flow air movement, it is used toprovide an enhanced air drag effect.

In FIG. 9A, a cross-section, the prevailing wind is directed toward thepower generating equipment which may be installed on a building wherethe prevailing wind 91 is available. Common locations are roof tops andupper stories of a building. Air flow from the prevailing wind opens anin-flow damper 96A which is counter weighted, (also referred to asbarometrically balanced), and enters lower chamber 94. A generator 93 isconnected to a Full, Mixed-Outflow type Air Blade design whichincorporates an air foil blade design 92. The air flows through astructural divider between the lower chamber 94 and the upper chamber 95and thereby creates power. The air then passes through the out-flowingdamper 96B which is counter weighted, (also referred to asbarometrically balanced). The power generating air flow then reentersthe prevailing wind on the downwind (or downstream) side of thebuilding. Power is generated by utilizing the pressure differential andair flow created by the prevailing wind impact and drag effects aroundthe building surfaces.

Preferably, the in-flowing dampers 96A and the out-flowing dampers 96Bare designed to be as passive as possible and maintenance free. Sensorsare optionally used, if required, to improve performance, and dampen anyunnecessary movement by gradual repositioning any active dampers. It ishighly desirable that any dampers related to air flow do not cause apressure drop for the air flow, nor that they ‘slam’ open and closed. Tothat end, shock absorbers, and common anti rapid movement devices may beemployed with success. The dampers only need to create a reasonable sealwhen closed, so that the power generation is optimized.

The number of passive dampers that are open and closed are naturallyselecting based on gravity and the prevailing wind direction around theperimeter of the lower and upper chambers. The number of dampers usedfor an application is selectable for each particular design, based onpower requirements and capital cost.

The location of the air blades (i.e. air turbine) and their orientationare chosen based on design criterion for power and maintenance. Ingeneral, the blades must be located to efficiently utilize the pressuredifferential generated between the upper and lower chambers. The airblades are preferably rotating about a vertical or horizontal axis.Careful attention must be paid to ensure minimal pressure losses. Theair blades may be located in the lower chamber 94, the upper chamber 95,in-between, or partially in each. It is also possible to locate the airblades externally to both chambers.

FIG. 9B is similar to FIG. 9A except a Full Radial-Outflow type AirTurbine which incorporates an Air Foil type Air Blade design 97 is used.In this case the inflow air dampers are combined with air deflectingdampers 96C, as already mentioned, and the outflow passive air dampersare combined with air deflecting dampers 96D. The figure could also beshown with only air deflecting dampers 96C and 96D and the passive airdampers omitted. In this case, a control system would be needed toprovide optimum power efficiency to ensure the correct dampers are openand closed for air intake and outflow. The air deflecting dampers areuseful for buildings that are oddly shaped and to ensure optimum powergeneration. The air deflection dampers have a significant in surfacearea, and are preferably designed for a particular location. It shouldbe noted that FIG. 9B is not to scale, and the visual size of the airdeflecting dampers 96C and 96D are only illustrative.

FIG. 9C is similar to FIG. 9A except a Axial Flow-Propeller type AirTurbine with Air Foil type Air Blades design 98 is used and a flow tube99 is also shown.

FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 9B except the in-flow and out-flow dampersare reversed in their direction of opening so that the air flow throughthe system is reversed, using a Full, Radial Inflow type air turbinedesign with air blades that are designed for high efficiency.

FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 9B except that the upper chamber is removed,the lower chamber remains 1103, and the upper air blades 1102 aredesigned to additionally provide power by use of a second phase of theprevailing wind 1101.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of the present invention where the powergenerating equipment and assembly is mounted on top of, or near theupper rooms of a building 1205, such as a home or small office. A uniqueand novel method of orienting the air scoop toward the prevailing wind1201 is shown. The air scoop 1206, air turbine 1209, and generator 1210are all mounted in an enclosure where the air blades rotate about aseparate vertical axis 1207. A separate orienting axis 1203 which runsdown the center of a main support pole 1204 to the ground 1211 is usedto orient the enclosure. An assembly of bearings and mounting brackets1212 are mounted at the top of the support pole which is connected bysupports to the assembly enclosure for the power generating equipment.The offset amount 1213, or distance between the two axis 1207 and 1203then allows the prevailing wind to generate a pivoting force thatrotates the assembly enclosure around the orienting axis 1203 to aposition downwind of the orienting axis. Additionally, a screen or grate1208 or is used after the air blades to prevent animals or birds fromentering the exit space around the air blades. A barrier 1202 is used todefine the exit space and partially or completely blocks the prevailingwind from entering it.

FIG. 13 is another embodiment of the present invention where the flow isstaged on a roof in a split air turbine (or split air blade) design.There are two air blade assemblies (or air turbines) and the air isheated in between the lower air blades and the upper air blades toprovide a velocity boost. The heat provides an increased pressuredifferential across the entire system from the inlet to the outlet, aswell as through the upper air blades or air turbine assembly. The heatis preferably solar, but may additionally be from other sources thatinclude fossil fuels, preferably clean burning fossil fuels. In thisembodiment, the prevailing wind 1301 impinges on the power generationassembly which is mounted on a rooftop 1302, or near the upper portionof a building where there is available prevailing wind air flow. Theelectrical generator 1303 is driven by a main power shaft 1304 whichruns upwardly through the split air blade (or air turbine) design. Aflow tube 1305 directs air from the prevailing wind through the lowerair blades 1306 and then upwardly through a heat exchanger 1308 which isfed by a heated fluid from solar panels 1309 and lower piping. Aninitial heating surface 1307 in the flow tube is shown. Alternatively,the exterior of the vertical air flow between the split air blade designcould be insulated and the heat exchanger between the split air bladescould be heated by another source, such as fossil fuel or waste buildingheat. The air flow is then directed upwardly toward the upper air blades1311, and then outwardly into the prevailing wind. An upper support 1310is provided for the main power shaft to steady it. The support isdesigned to allow free air flow.

The waste building heat could come from sources such as heating and airconditioning, hot water heating, kitchens and laundries, existingblowers/exhausts/air movers, other building heat sources, availablesteam being vented, etc.

In this embodiment, the additional pressure differential created by thechimney effect drives the air flow, but the externally heated air flowwhich enters the top chamber 1312 is optionally used to create aninduced draft.

In another embodiment, the heat put into the vertical moving air comesfrom secondary air sources within the building that have heat in themand the secondary air is directly injected into the vertical moving air.Thus, the heat in the vertical moving air is indirect (heat exchanger)or direct (injected).

As used herein, an inflow chamber is defined as a chamber wherein theprevailing wind enters and subsequently passes through a flow tube, andinto air blades. In some embodiments air deflectors and/or a flow tubemay further direct the air or wind into the air blades.

As used herein, an outflow chamber is defined as a chamber where airfrom the flow tube exits the wind power enhancer system. The outflowchamber may comprise air out-flow dampers are configured to only let airout of the chamber and thereby prevent air flow from the prevailing windfrom entering. In another embodiment, an outflow chamber is configuredas an impingement chamber, whereby air blades extend at least partiallyinto the outflow chamber and air from the prevailing wind enters andimpacts the air blades. An outflow chamber may be any suitable structureand may be a fixed structure, as defined herein, and may be configuredto rotate either automatically or passively as a function of theprevailing wind direction, or through any other suitable control,including manually.

As used herein, an impingement chamber is defined as a type of outflowchamber wherein the prevailing wind enters and subsequently impacts theair blades. In some embodiments air deflectors may be configured as windconcentrators in the impingement chamber to further direct the air orwind into the air blades. Air from the prevailing wind may enter aportion of the impingement chamber and air may exit or outflow from theimpingement chamber.

As used herein, a wind energy power enhancer system, utilizes either asingle phase or multi-phased wind power generating system, as describedherein, that may be configured in any suitable orientation and comprisea single inflow chamber, an optional outflow chamber or a dual inflow ordual outflow chamber.

As used herein, a dual wind energy power enhancer system utilizes eithera single phase or multi-phased wind power generating system, asdescribed herein, and is configured with either a dual inflow chamber ora dual outflow chamber.

As used herein, the term single phase wind power generating system, is apower generating system as described herein that utilizes a single phaseof wind or air flow to power the turbine, and may be of either a singleor dual air flow inlet or outlet; and is used to distinguish it frommulti-phased wind flow that utilizes both a first and second phase ofwind flow.

As used herein, the term multi-phased, used to describe the wind powergenerating system, means that a combination of air flow is used to powerthe turbine, including air flow from an inflow chamber and a secondphase air flow that further powers the air blades. In one embodiment thesecond phase air flow directly impinges on the air blades that may beextending at least partial from the air inflow chamber. In anotherembodiment air deflectors are configured to cause the second phase airflow to create low pressure, or vacuum over the flow tube. In addition,air flow to the turbine may be directed, deflected or concentrated byair deflectors.

As used herein, fixed structure is defined as an enclosed volumeconfigured for the in-flow or out-flow of air and includes, but is notlimited to an outflow chamber, an impingement chamber and an inflowchamber. A fixed structure may be configured to rotate eitherautomatically or passively as a function of the prevailing winddirection, or through any other suitable control, including manually. Afixed structure may comprise any suitable type of structural materialthat defines the enclosed volume and may comprise fence material, orfencing configured over openings to the fixed structure. Air deflectorsmay be configured inside of a fixed structure and may be configured toextend outside of the enclosed volume of the fixed structure.

As used herein, air deflector is defined as any element that deflects,directs or concentrates the prevailing wind, second phase air flow, orsimply air flow, and includes but is not limited to, drag curtains, exitbarriers, scoops, sails, deflectors, wind concentrators, vortex inducersand the like, and may be rigid, or flexible, passive or controlled,fixed or configured to move, such as by rotating as a function of theprevailing wind. An air deflector may direct the air flow into or awayfrom the enhanced multi-phased wind power generating system, and/or mayconcentrate the air flow to enhance power generation. For example, anair deflector may be hinged and pivot as a function of the winddirection in a passive manner. In another embodiment, an air deflectormay be flexible, such as a sail or air scoop that may open or close as afunction of the prevailing wind. In an alternative embodiment, an airdeflector may comprise a rigid metal surface, such as a sheet of metalthat may be curved or straight. In yet another embodiment, an airdeflector may be fixed and may not move or rotate. In still anotherembodiment, an air deflector, or a plurality of air deflectors, mayrotate or move automatically as a function of the prevailing wind. Airdeflectors may also be positioned or configured manually. Sensors may beused to determine the prevailing wind direction and a control system maybe configured to rotate air deflectors in an effort to optimize theamount of wind captured and used by the enhanced multi-phase wind powergenerating system.

As used herein, fence material or fencing is defined as any type offencing or netting that may be used to allow prevailing wind to pass andprovide some protection from objects passing there through. In oneembodiment, the fence material has openings with a maximum dimensionacross the opening of no more than 0.25 inches. The maximum size of theopenings in the fence may be any suitable size however, including butnot limited to, no more than about 0.25 inches, no more than about 0.5inches, no more than about 0.75 inches, no more than 1.0 inches, or anyrange between and including the listed dimensions. The fence materialmay be a metal grate or a bird screen or any other suitable material.The fence material may be rigid or flexible.

As used herein, flow tube is defined as an airflow pathway from theinflow chamber to the turbine and may consist of an opening in theseparating panel or may comprise a partial enclosure, such as acylinder, that directs, deflects or concentrates air flow from theinflow chamber to the turbine. A flow tube may extend into or out of theinflow chamber or may be an integral flow tube, wherein the inflowchamber acts as a flow tube.

A turbine, as described herein (540), may be any suitable type, and inone embodiment the turbine is a propeller or axial flow type 539 thatmay be configured at least partially within the flow tube, or a radialinflow 540A or radial outflow 540B type. The turbine may compriseoutward or backwardly curved air vanes or blades and may be configuredfor direct radial or mixed axial/radial type air flow or be a mixedturbine 540C. In yet another embodiment, the turbine is a dual inletradial outflow turbine 540D, having two separate inlets for inflow ofair. A second phase of air flow may or may not be utilized in the outletair flow or impingement chamber to implement either single ormulti-phased wind flow operation. In yet another embodiment, two singleinlet, radial outflow turbines are used with a single inlet chamberlocated between them. Again, a second phase of wind or air flow may ormay not be utilized.

The air blades, as described herein, may be any suitable type and in oneembodiment the air blades are one of a group comprising a: centrifugalfan, helical design, reverse flow fan design, radial fan, propeller,axial flow, cross flow, radial-inflow, radial outflow or mixedaxial-radial flow, a combination type such as a combination of reaction,impulse and air foil type air blade design or a combination ofbackwardly-curved and air foil type blades.

Second phase air flow, as defined herein, is air flow that createsadditional power but does not flow through the inflow chamber, such asair flow from the prevailing wind that impinges on the air bladesdirectly, or air flow from the prevailing wind that is directed tocreate a vacuum over the flow tube, thereby creating additional power.

As depicted in FIG. 14A, the enhanced multi-phase wind power generatingsystem 500 comprises two chambers, an inflow chamber 510, and animpingent chamber 520. The impingement chamber is connected with orattached to the inflow chamber, and a separation panel 506 divides thetwo chambers. The configuration of the enhanced multi-phase wind powergenerating system is vertical, as depicted, wherein the axis of theturbine is vertical. A flow tube, not shown in FIG. 14A, is configuredthrough the separation panel and between the two chambers. The chambersare comprised of a fixed structure 502 and a fence material 504 thatcovers the openings 509 to the chambers. Openings include the spacesbetween the fixed structure supports. The fence material may completelysurround a chamber, or may cover an opening to a chamber that is exposedto the outdoors. To meet some building regulations the enhancedmulti-phase wind power generating system may be completely enclosedwherein there is not a large opening from a chamber to the outdoors,thereby preventing animals from getting into the enhanced multi-phasewind power generating system. In some cases, a chamber may have openingsthat are in communication with an interior space, such as an attic orsome other space. The enhanced multi-phase wind power generating systemcomprises a roof 508 positioned over the impingement chamber, as shownin FIG. 14A. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14A, both chambers comprisean access door, 512, 522 whereby the chambers may be easily accessed forservice and/or repair, for example.

As depicted in FIG. 14A, the inflow chamber 510 is configured below theimpingement chamber 520. However, any suitable configuration may beused. For example, the impingement chamber may be configured below theinflow chamber. In addition, the enhanced multi-phase wind powergenerating system may be configured in any suitable orientation, such asvertically, as shown in many figures herein, horizontally, or any otherorientation. In one embodiment, the enhanced multi-phase wind powergenerating system may be mounted on the side of a building, such as ahigh rise building, where even vertically directed high wind air speedsare common, as shown in FIG. 32.

The enhanced multi-phased wind power generating system and/or thechambers may have any suitable shape including square, rectangular,circular, or have one or more curved surfaces, or be a polygon, such asan octagon shown in FIG. 14B. In addition, an inflow chamber may have adifferent shape and/or size than the impingement chamber. In oneembodiment, the inflow chamber is an octagon shape and the impingementchamber is circular and smaller in width or diameter than the inflowchamber. The height of the chambers may be any suitable dimension andthe inflow chamber may have a larger height than the impingement chamberand vice versa. The height of the inflow chamber H_(f) and impingementchamber Hp may be any suitable value including, but not limited to,greater than about 2 ft, greater than about 4 ft, greater than about 6ft, greater than about 8 ft, greater than about 10 ft, greater thanabout 15 ft, greater than about 20 ft, and any range between andincluding any of the listed heights. The width of the enhancedmulti-phased wind power generating system W, which may be defined as thelargest dimension across the inflow or impingement chamber, may be anysuitable dimension including, but not limited to, greater than about 2ft, greater than about 4 ft, greater than about 6 ft, greater than about8 ft, greater than about 10 ft, greater than about 15 ft, greater thanabout 20 ft, and any range between and including any of the listedwidths.

Depicted in FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB ofFIG. 14A that depicts the separation panel 506 with a flow tube 530therein. A turbine 540 and air blades 542 are depicted as configuredover the flow tube 530, as shown in FIG. 15. The turbine in FIG. 14A,FIGS. 14B and 15 is a radial outflow type air turbine, however an axialflow type turbine may be employed having at least a portion of the airblades exposed in the impingement chamber 520. The impingement chamber520 may employ several methods for obtaining the second, phase of windor air flow which is an integral part of its design. These methods mayconsist of use of combined partial air curtains and open spaces, windconcentrators, deflectors or air scoops or drag curtains to accomplishthe multi-phased effect within or surrounding the basic impingementchamber itself.

Depicted in FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA ofFIG. 14A that depicts one method in which the multi-phased windinjection technology may be employed. This cross-section shows the flowdirection of the prevailing wind 120 and the air flow path 633 throughthe enhanced multi-phased wind power generating system 500. Theprevailing wind 120 enters the inflow chamber 510 through a plurality ofpassive air in-flow dampers 514, and then passes through the flow tube530, through the radial out flow turbine 540B and out of the impingementchamber 520, making an S shape shown by solid air flow line 633. Thepassive air inflow dampers 514 open with the prevailing wind, and closeto prevent the exit of the air from the inflow chamber, as shown by theclosed passive air in-flow dampers 14′. This causes a pressure increasein the inflow chamber and forces the air flow through the flow tube andthrough the turbine. The passive air inflow dampers may be any suitablematerial such as, but not limited to, plastic sheet or film, metalsheet, a fabric, and may be rigid or flexible. In one embodiment, thepassive air inflow dampers of the inflow chamber are plastic sheets thatare configured on the inside of the fixed structure, or on the inside offencing material. A plurality of passive air inflow dampers may beconfigured in any suitable manner. In a preferred embodiment, aplurality of passive air inflow dampers 514′ are configured out oflightweight flexible material to overlap and provide an effective sealagainst the fence material, and effectively prevent air flow fromexiting the inflow chamber directly back to the atmosphere, as shown inFIG. 15. The prevailing wind 120 also enters the impingement chamber andimpinges on the air blades as it passes through the impingement chamber,an example of second phase air flow 602.

As depicted in FIG. 16A, the enhanced multi-phased wind power generatingsystem 500 is comprised of an air inflow chamber 510, but does notcomprise an impingement chamber. The second phase air flow 602, from theprevailing wind 120 impinges directly on the air blades 542. A top downview of the enhanced multi-phase wind power generating system shown inFIG. 16A is depicted in FIG. 16B.

As depicted in FIG. 17, the enhanced multi-phased wind power generatingsystem comprises an inflow chamber 510, and an impingement chamber 520.The inflow chamber has fence material 504, whereas the impingementchamber does not. A plurality of air deflectors 560 are depicted beingconfigured around the turbine 540B and partially within the impingementchamber 520. Any number of air deflectors may be configured around theturbine 540B, and, depending on the prevailing wind direction, some ofthe air deflectors may concentrate the wind and some may deflect thewind. As described herein, an air deflector may be any element thatdeflects the prevailing wind and includes, but is not limited to, dragcurtains, exit barriers, scoops, sails, and the like. An air deflectormay direct the prevailing wind into or away from the enhancedmulti-phased wind power generating system, and may concentrate the windto enhance power generation. An air deflector may be within a chamber ormay be configured on the outside of a chamber or on the exterior of thefixed structure. In addition, an air deflector may extend from within achamber as shown in FIG. 17.

As depicted in FIG. 18, a plurality of air deflectors are attached by anattachment feature 562, and are configured to move as a function of theprevailing wind direction. The air deflectors may be configured to moveas a function of the prevailing wind direction to enhance or optimizethe power generated by the enhanced multi-phased wind power generatingsystem.

FIG. 19 shows a side view of an enhanced multi-phased wind powergenerating system 500 having a plurality of air deflectors 560, 560configured within the impingement chamber 520 and a fence 504 materialcovering an impingement chamber. The fence material may cover at least aportion of the sides and top of the impingement chamber, therebyproviding for low resistance to flow coming from the inflow chamber. Theimpingement chamber 520 shown in FIG. 19 has a roof comprised of openspace covered with fence material.

FIG. 20 shows a side view of an enhanced multi-phased wind powergenerating system having an angled surface that extends to the turbinecreating a venturi effect. The angle of the surfaces may be any suitableangle and the surfaces may be straight or curved. In a preferredembodiment, the surfaces are at an angle of no more than 15 degrees, or30 degrees included when there is a top flow concentrating surface 529and bottom concentrating surface 528. The venturi effect may increasethe flow velocity of the second phase air flow 602 and thereby createmore power.

FIG. 21 shows a side view of an enhanced multi-phased wind powergenerating system having an impingement chamber 520 with a fixedstructure 502 closing off a portion of the open area 509, and fencematerial 504 covering all the openings around the impingement chamber. Aslotted opening in the impingement chamber may provide for lessturbulence and better control of the second phase air flow through thechamber.

FIG. 22 shows a top down view of an enhanced multi-phased wind powergenerating system having a plurality of air deflectors 560 extendingfrom the turbine, and a plurality of air defectors 560′ extending fromthe chamber. Any number of air deflectors may be configured within, onor attached to and extending from a chamber or they may be configured inany number of ways around the turbine.

FIG. 23 shows a top down view of an enhanced multi-phased wind powergenerating system having a plurality of air deflectors 560 extendingradially out from the turbine 540B. The prevailing wind between airdeflectors 560 and 560′ is deflected into the air turbine to becomesecond phase air flow 602. A pivot point 564 provides for movement orrotation of the air deflectors as depicted by the arrows on airdeflector 560″. As shown in FIG. 24, the air deflectors 560 have beenrotated to enhance the flow of second phase air through the turbine. Inaddition, a small impingement chamber 520 is depicted covering theturbine that extends out of the inflow chamber. The impingement chambershown in FIG. 24 consists of fencing material configured around theturbine. The air deflectors shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, both extendbeyond the inflow chamber.

As depicted in FIG. 25, an air scoop 570 type air deflector 560 isconfigured within the inflow chamber 510. The prevailing wind 120 entersthe inflow chamber 510 and is concentrated by the air scoop 570. The airpasses through the flow tube and through the turbine before exiting outof the impingement chamber 520. An air scoop with an inflow chamber maybe configured to move or rotate with the air flow into the inflowchamber. Passive outflow air dampers 526 are shown being opened by theair flow out of the impingement chamber. An impingement chamber maycomprise any number of passive outflow dampers, and these dampers may beconfigured to pivot away from the chamber, thereby allowing air flow tofreely exit the impingement chamber.

As depicted in FIG. 26, a plurality of air deflectors 560, 560′ areconfigured within the inflow chamber 510. The air deflectors depictedare attached and are configured to rotate to enhance air flow throughthe flow tube.

As depicted in FIG. 27A, a plurality of air deflectors 560-560′, areconfigured on the inside of the impingement chamber, and a plurality ofexternal inflow air deflectors 566-566′″ are configured outside of theinflow chamber and impingement chamber. Any number of air deflectors maybe configured within a chamber, or outside of the chamber or fixedstructure. As depicted in FIG. 27A, different types of air deflectorsmay be configured within or around the inflow chamber and theimpingement chamber. FIG. 27B is a top down view of the enhancedmulti-phased wind power generating system shown in FIG. 27A.

FIG. 28 depicts an enhanced multi-phased wind power generating systemhaving two turbines configured about the same axis. One turbine 540A isconfigured in the inflow chamber in a radial in flow application and theother radial out flow turbine 540B is configured in the impingementchamber. The turbine may be configured in any suitable location. In oneembodiment, the turbine is configured completely outside of the inflowchamber and connected with a flow tube as shown in FIG. 29. The flowtube may extend from the inflow chamber any suitable amount. In somecases, it may be advantageous to extend the flow tube such that aturbine connected at the extended end may be exposed to more wind flow.In another embodiment, the turbine 540 is configured within the flowtube and partially extends from the inflow chamber 510 as shown in FIG.30.

FIG. 30 shows a cross-sectional side view of an enhanced multi-phasedwind power generating system 500 having a turbine 540 of combinedaxial-radial outflow design configured within a flow tube with theradial flow portion of the turbine partially extending from the inflowchamber and into the prevailing wind 120 where second phase air flow 602may directly impinge on the air blades.

FIG. 31 shows a cross-sectional side view of an enhanced multi-phasedwind power generating system 500 having a radial inflow type turbine540A configured within the inflow chamber and a configuration of airdeflectors 560 to create a low pressure 599 over the flow tube. Anynumber of configurations of air deflectors may be used to create lowpressure or vacuum over the flow tube. A vortex type air flow is oneexample. The vortex phase of the wind creates a low pressure or vacuum599 which causes the turbine to spin faster and creates more powerthereby creating a multi-phased wind power generation system. As shownin FIG. 31, a first phase of wind flow through the turbine and the flowtube, and a vortex phase creates a low pressure over the flow tube toenhance flow and power.

As depicted in FIG. 32, an enhanced multi-phased wind power generatingsystem 500 is mounted or attached to the side of a building 580 in ahorizontal configuration. The axis of the turbine is in a horizontalconfiguration. Mounting the enhanced multi-phased wind power generatingsystem on the side of a building and especially significantly elevatedfrom ground level, may provide for higher and more consistent wind flowfor generating power. In many cities, there is a strong and oftensustained upward wind flow along the face of buildings. This wind flowcould be harnessed by the enhanced multi-phased wind power generatingsystem described herein to generate power.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 33-38, the enhancedmulti-phased wind power generating system is a dual inlet type dualenhanced multi-phased wind power generating system. In a dual inlet airmulti-phased wind power generating system, air from a plurality ofinflow chambers is directed into the turbine 540. As shown in FIG. 33, afirst inflow chamber 510 is configured above the impingement chamber 520and a second inflow chamber 590 is configured below the impingementchamber. Airflow from both inflow chambers 510, 590 is directed into theair turbine 540, as shown in FIG. 34. Air flow from a plurality ofdirections increases the total flow of air into the turbine, therebyincreasing the power output. The impingement chamber 520 furtherincreases power by allowing second phase air flow to impact on theturbine directly. The size and inlet area of an inflow or inflowchambers and the impingement chamber may be selected to optimize theoverall efficiency and power output of the multi-phased wind powergenerating system described herein. For example, in one embodiment, aninflow chamber may be configured to have an air inflow area that is muchgreater than the impingement chamber air inflow area. Air inflow area isthe area through which air may enter an inflow chamber, and may be theproduct of the height and perimeter of an inflow chamber. Impingementinflow area is the area through which air may enter an impingementchamber and may be the product of the height and perimeter of animpingement chamber. For example, as shown in FIG. 33, the height ofinflow chambers H1 and H2, and the height of the inflow chamber Ht, maybe selected to provide an air inflow area that is much greater than theimpingement chamber inflow area. Any suitable ratio of air inflow areato impingement inflow area may be selected including from about 99:1 toabout 1:99, and may be about 50:1, 25:1, 10:1 and more preferably formost applications, no more than about 5:1, no more than about 3:1, nomore than about 2:1, no more than about 1:1, no more than about 0.5:1and any range between and including the ratios listed. The air turbinemay be designed according to the air inflow ratio selected, and factorsincluding the typical wind flow speed and consistency may be factoredinto the design criteria.

In one embodiment, a dual inlet air multi-phased wind power generatingsystem comprises two air inflow chambers, whereby each air inflowchamber directs flow into the turbine. An exemplary turbine for use in adual inlet air multi-phased wind power generating system is a dual inletradial outflow turbine 540D, as shown in FIG. 34-38. In this embodiment,the turbine may be configured in an impingement chamber whereby flowfrom the prevailing wind directly impinges on the turbine, and wherebyair exits from the dual inlet air multi-phased wind power generatingsystem. Additionally, in this embodiment, any suitable configuration andcombination of air scoops, air deflectors, air curtains and vortexinducers may be used to direct air flow into turbine 540D as a firstphase of wind injection. In one embodiment, at least some of the inflowchamber inlet air flow may be re-directed into the an impingementchamber, thereby increasing the second phase wind that impinges directlyonto the air turbine.

FIG. 33 is a side view of an exemplary enhanced multi-phased wind powergenerating system 500 configured as a dual inlet enhanced multi-phasedwind power generating system 500 comprising three chambers: a firstinflow chamber 510, a second inflow chamber 590 and an impingementchamber 520. The two air inflow chambers 510, 590 may be configured onopposing sides of an air impingement chamber 520 as shown in FIG. 33.The dual inlet enhanced multi-phased wind power generating system 500may be configured in any suitable orientation, such as vertical, asshown in FIG. 33, or horizontal for example. In addition, as shown inFIG. 33, each chamber may be configured with protective fence material504 and access doors 512, 522, and 532.

FIG. 34 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary dual inlet airmulti-phased wind power generating system 500 taken along line GG inFIG. 33. As depicted by the bold lines and arrows, the prevailing wind120 is directed from both air inflow chambers 510, 590 into the turbine540D. The turbine 540D shown in FIG. 34 is a dual inlet radial outflowturbine, having two separate inlets for inflow of air to the turbine. Inone embodiment, a dual inlet radial outflow turbine has two inletsconfigured for receiving inflow air from two separate inflow chambers,as shown in FIG. 38. In addition, the center air impingement chambercomprises air deflectors 560 that direct and concentrate the prevailingwind into the turbine. Any combination of air inflow dampers, aircurtains, air deflectors, exit barrier, air scoops and the like may beused in any of the chambers. For example, the first air inflow chambermay comprise a rotating air scoop and the second air inflow chamber andthe air impingement chamber may comprise air deflectors. As shown inFIG. 34, the first and second inflow chambers comprise air inflow damper514.

FIG. 35 is a top down cross-sectional view of an exemplary dual inletair multi-phased wind power generating system 500 taken along line TT asshown in FIG. 34. Air deflectors 560 extend from the dual inlet radialoutflow turbine 540D to the outside of the fixed structure. The airdeflectors concentrate and direct the prevailing wind 120 into theturbine 540D, as indicated by the positive and negative symbols depictedwithin the impingement chamber 520. Within an impingement chamber thereis an impingement portion and an outflow portion. The impingementportion is the area where the inflow air is directed to directly impingeon the air blades, as depicted by the inward facing arrows in FIG. 35,and may include upwards of 270° of rotation about the turbine. Theoutflow portion is the area where air is flowing out of the impingementchamber as indicated by the outward facing arrows in FIG. 35. Airdeflectors may be within the impingement chamber, outside theimpingement chamber, or both within the impingement chamber and outsidethe impingement chamber.

The multi-phased wind power generating system may comprise a vortexinducer to enhance the air flow through the turbine, thereby generatingmore power. In one embodiment, a positive flow vortex inducer may beconfigured to introduce vortex flow into the turbine. A positive flowvortex inducer directs air flow having a complimentary rotation into theturbine Any suitable configuration may be used as a positive flow vortexinducer, and a vortex inducer may be used with any of the enhancedmulti-phased wind power generating systems described herein including adual inlet enhanced multi-phased wind power generating system. Apositive flow vortex inducer may also be configured with an axial flowtype air turbine having a propeller type air turbine with air foil typeair blades for example. In another embodiment, a negative flow vortexinducer is configured over and/or around a turbine exhaust and furtherinduces or accelerates flow through the turbine; by means of increasingthe pressure differential created across the overall wind turbineassembly by way of the increased air flows and velocities through thefixed air blades. In one embodiment, a negative flow vortex inducerreduces pressure at the turbine exhaust, thereby increasing the air flowrate through the turbine. Any suitable configuration may be used as avortex inducer, and a vortex inducer may be used with any suitableenhanced multi-phased wind power generating systems described hereinincluding an axial flow type air turbine. A negative flow vortex inducercreates a vortex phase of air flow, that combined with a first phase ofair flow provide a multi-phased wind power generating system.

FIG. 36 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary dual inlet airmulti-phased wind power generating system 500 and FIG. 37 is across-sectional view of FIG. 36 taken along line WW. As shown in FIG.36, the first inflow chamber 510 comprises air inflow dampers 514. Thesecond inflow chamber 590 comprises a positive flow vortex inducer 594having air deflectors configured to both concentrate and direct the airflow into a vortex, or rotational flow directed into the flow tube 530,and subsequently through the dual inlet radial outflow turbine 540D. Thevortex deflectors 599 of the positive flow vortex inducer 594 areconfigured with a reducing height from the outside of the chamber to theinner edge where they terminate proximate the flow tube 530. The inneredge of the vortex deflectors 599 extend inside the outer diameter ofthe flow tube 531 as shown in FIG. 37. Put another way, the tangent tipcircle 596, or the circle outlined by the inner edge of the vortexdeflectors 599, having a tangent tip diameter 597 is smaller in diameterthan the flow tube diameter 531. This configuration of vortex deflectorscreates a positive pressure and thus a positive flow with increasedrotational flow into the flow tube, or a positive flow vortex. A vortexdeflector 599 is a specifically designed type of air deflector 560,having a reducing air contact surface, or height as shown in FIG. 36,from the outer edge to the inner edge as described. Also shown in FIG.36 is a vortex baffle 598, or conical shaped feature that reduces thevolume of an air inflow chamber 590. A reduction in the volume of aninflow chamber from the outside perimeter to the center furtherconcentrates flow and enhances the creation of a positive pressurevortex flow into a turbine or flow tube.

FIG. 38 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary dual inlet airmulti-phased wind power generating system 500 having two positive flowvortex inducer 594, 594′. The two positive flow vortex inducers are bothconfigured to direct and concentrate flow in a complementary manner intothe dual inlet radial outflow turbine 540D. The half circle arrows shownin FIG. 38 along the center axis of the enclosure represent the rotationof the air in each chamber. The vortex deflectors 599′ in the first airinflow chamber 510 do not extend outside of the enclosure, whereas thevortex deflectors 599 in the second inflow chamber 590 extend outside ofthe enclosure.

FIG. 39 is a side view of an exemplary multi-phased wind powergenerating system 500 having a negative flow vortex inducer 610configured to reduce pressure over the outlet portion of the flow tube530, thereby enhancing the flow through the flow tube and axial flowturbine 539. Passive in-flow dampers 514 are configured on the inflowchamber 510, and fencing 504 is configured around the impingementchamber 520.

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary multi-phased windpower generating system 500 along line YY of FIG. 39. The first inflowchamber 510 comprises a positive flow vortex inducer 594. The negativeflow vortex inducer 610 comprises a plurality of negative flow vortexdeflectors 619, that are configured to direct a strong vortex type airflow from the prevailing wind around the outer diameter of the flow tube530 and towards the discharge end of the flow tube. The deflectors, aswell as the flow tube may be shaped to further enhance, direct andsustain vortex flow. The vortex deflectors 619 may be specially shapedto assist the strong vortex induced flow outflow and create a moreoptimum directional and increased negative pressure air flow over theturbine and the exhaust of the flow tube at the flow tube outlet wherethe air flow is re-entrained, as indicated by the bold line having anarrow. Also shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 is a vortex stabilizer 667, orbobbin shaped object positioned over the flow tube exhaust thatstabilizes or helps maintain the flow rotation from the flow tubeexhaust and negative flow vortex inducer. The vortex stabilizer 667 mayalso improve re-entrainment of air flow.

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the negative flow vortex inducer610 portion of the multi-phased wind power generating system 500 shownin FIG. 39, taken along line XX. The negative flow vortex deflectors 619are configured to extend to the tangent tip circle 596, that is largerin diameter, than the flow tube 530 outer diameter 531. Thisconfiguration creates a vortex flow that draws air out the flow tube andre-entrains it back into the surrounding area and downstream prevailingwind.

The wind energy power enhancer system, described herein is a versatileand easily implemented system in both rural and residential areas aswell as near or at the tops of office buildings in downtown or outlyingbusiness centers. As shown in FIG. 42-46 a multi-phased wind powergenerating system may be aesthetically configured on or near the top,next to, or between buildings. As shown in FIGS. 42, 43, 45 and 46, amulti-phased wind power generating system 500 is configured on top of abuilding 580. As shown in FIG. 44, the multi-phased wind powergenerating system 500 is configured between two buildings 580, 580′. Thebuildings shown in FIG. 44 are townhomes, but could be any type ofbuilding including office or government building, barns, corn or grainsilos and the like. A multi-phased wind power generating system may bewell suited for placement between two office buildings at a highelevation. FIG. 42 shows an enhanced multi-phased wind power generatingsystem 500 configured on top of a town home. FIG. 43 shows amulti-phased wind power generating system 500 configured on top of asingle family home. FIG. 45 shows a dual enhanced multi-phased windpower generating system 500 configured on top of a single family home.FIG. 46 shows two multi-phased wind power generating systems 500, 500′configured on top of a single family home. Any number and configurationof wind power generating systems may be configured on, within, partiallywithin or attached to one or more buildings. The multi-phased wind powergenerating system may also be configured on top of barns, corn and grainsilos and other rural type structures where electrical power may not beas readily accessible and where tall structures are not inhibited bycodes and regulations. The multi-phased wind power generating system mayalso be easily implemented on homes and other dwellings where codes andregulations must be met for any new structure added to the dwelling. Inan exemplary embodiment, the multi-phased wind power generating systemis a fixed structure that can be made to meet all codes and regulations,specifically enclosure regulations. The fixed structure may beconfigured to rotate or may be adjustable.

FIG. 47 shows a dual outflow type 600 enhanced multi-phased wind powergenerating system 500 comprising dual or two turbines 540, 540′ locatedwithin two separate impingement chambers 520, 520′. The turbines shownin FIG. 47 are dual outflow type wind turbines, however any suitabletype and combination of turbines can be used in a dual outflow typeenhanced multi-phased wind power generating system. As shown in FIG. 47,a single inlet chamber 510 is and located vertically between twoimpingement chambers, each having a turbine configured therein. In anexemplary embodiment, a radial outflow type wind turbine is configuredin one or both of the impingement chambers. The two wind turbine rotorassemblies are shown connected in FIG. 47, however each turbine may havea separate axis and may or may not be connected mechanically and/orelectrically for the production of useful multi-phased wind power. In anexemplary embodiment, the two impingement chambers of the dual outflowtype multi-phased wind power generating system are configured onopposing sides of an inlet chamber, as shown in FIG. 47 where a firstimpingement chamber 520 is configured above the inflow chamber 510 and asecond impingement chamber 520′ is configured below the inflow chamber.The impingement chambers of a dual outflow type multi-phased wind powergenerating system may also be configured horizontally on opposing sidesof an inflow chamber. In addition, any suitable type of air deflector,or combination of air deflectors, as described herein, may be configuredin, on and/or around a dual outflow type multi-phased wind powergenerating system including, but not limited to, drag curtains, exitbarriers, scoops, sails, deflectors, vortex inducers and the like. Inone embodiment, a deflector is configured in the inflow chamber todirect approximately an equal amount of inflow air into the twoimpingement chambers. In certain cases, the impingement chamber or airoutflow chambers may only serve as an air outflow chamber and be onlydesigned to provide single phase air flow to the wind turbine orturbines.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described,the invention may be easily modified and adapted to suit various airturbines of either an existing or new design as may be developed bythose most skilled in the art. Therefore, this invention is not limitedto the description and figures as shown herein, and includes all suchembodiments, changes, and modifications that are encompassed by thescope of the claims.

Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention are describedherein and illustrated in the accompanying figures. The embodimentsdescribed are only for purposes of illustrating the present inventionand should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.Other embodiments of the invention, and certain modifications,combinations and improvements of the described embodiments, will occurto those skilled in the art and all such alternate embodiments,combinations, modifications, improvements are within the scope of thepresent invention.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combination and variations can be made in the presentinvention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.Specific embodiment, features and elements described herein may bemodified, and/or combined in any suitable manner. Thus, it is intendedthat the present invention cover the modifications, combinations andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combination and variations can be made in the presentinvention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.Specific embodiment, features and elements described herein may bemodified, and/or combined in any suitable manner. Thus, it is intendedthat the present invention cover the modifications, combinations andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dual wind energy power enhancer systemcomprising: a. a power generating turbine wherein said power generatingturbine incorporates air blades in the form of a reverse flow fan thatrotate about an axis, b. a first inflow chamber comprising a first fixedstructure having one or more openings for receiving a first chamberfirst phase air flow from a prevailing wind; and a first flow tube, c. afirst separation panel extending between the first inflow chamber andthe power generating turbine; wherein the first flow tube extendsthrough said first separation panel and is configured to direct thefirst chamber first phase air flow into said air blades; d. a secondinflow chamber comprising a second fixed structure having one or moreopenings for receiving a second chamber first phase air flow from theprevailing wind; and a second flow tube, e. a second separation panelextending between the second inflow chamber and the power generatingturbine; wherein the second flow tube extends through said secondseparation panel and is configured to direct the second chamber firstphase air flow into said air blades; wherein said air blades are exposedto both the first and second chamber first phase air flows and to asecond phase air flow from a second phase wind, wherein the second phaseair flow from the prevailing wind is directed to impinge on the airblades and wherein the first phase air flow from both the first andsecond inflow chambers exits the power generation turbine in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the direction of said first and secondfirst phase air flows entering said power generating turbine from saidfirst and second flow tubes, and wherein the dual wind energy powerenhancer system is configured to utilize air flow from both the firstand second inflow chambers and the second phase air flow to createpower.
 2. The dual wind energy power enhancer system of claim 1, whereinat least one of the first and the second fixed structures is configuredto rotate.
 3. The dual wind energy power enhancer system of claim 1,wherein said air blades are configured to extend at least partially fromthe first inflow chamber and into the second phase air flow.
 4. The dualwind energy power enhancer system of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe first or the second inflow chambers comprises a plurality of passiveinflow dampers.
 5. The dual wind energy power enhancer system of claim1, wherein the axis is in a substantially vertical configuration.
 6. Thedual wind energy power enhancer system of claim 1, wherein the windenergy power enhancer system is configured on or at least partiallywithin a building.
 7. The dual wind energy power enhancer system ofclaim 1, further comprising an impingement chamber configured at leastpartially around the air blades.
 8. The dual wind energy power enhancersystem of claim 7, wherein the impingement chamber is configured betweenthe first and second inflow chambers.
 9. The dual wind energy powerenhancer system of claim 8, wherein the axis is in a verticalconfiguration and the first inflow chamber is configured above theimpingement chamber and the second inflow chamber is configured belowsaid impingement chamber.
 10. The dual wind energy power enhancer systemof claim 1, further comprising at least one air deflector configured inor around the first inflow chamber, in or around the second inflowchamber or around the air blades in an outflow chamber.
 11. The dualwind energy power enhancer system of claim 10, wherein at least one airdeflector is a drag curtain.
 12. The dual wind energy power enhancersystem of claim 10, wherein at least one air deflector is an exitbarrier.
 13. The dual wind energy power enhancer system of claim 10,wherein at least one air deflector is an air scoop.
 14. The dual windenergy power enhancer system of claim 10, wherein the at least one airdeflector is configured as a wind concentrator to direct air from theprevailing wind into the air blades.
 15. The dual wind energy powerenhancer system of claim 10, wherein the at least one air deflector isconfigured to move.
 16. The dual wind energy power enhancer system ofclaim 10, wherein the at least one air deflector is configured outsideof an air inflow chamber.
 17. The dual wind energy power enhancer systemof claim 10, wherein a plurality of air deflectors are configured in oraround the first inflow chamber as a vortex inducer.
 18. The dual windenergy power enhancer system of claim 17, wherein the vortex inducer isa positive flow vortex inducer, configured to produce a positivepressure and a vortex flow into at least one of the first and the secondflow tubes.
 19. The dual wind energy power enhancer system of claim 17,wherein the vortex inducer is a negative flow vortex inducer configuredto reduce pressure at the turbine outlet thereby increasing thedifferential pressure across the turbine.
 20. The dual wind energy powerenhancer system of claim 1, wherein the first inflow chamber has a firstinflow area, and the first flow tube has a first flow tubecross-sectional area, whereby a ratio of the first inflow area to thefirst flow tube cross-sectional area is greater than 0.01:1.
 21. A dualwind energy power enhancer system comprising: a. a power generatingturbine, wherein said power generating turbine incorporates air bladesin the form of a reverse flow fan that rotate about an axis; b. a firstinflow chamber comprising: a first fixed structure having one or moreopenings for receiving first chamber air flow, and a plurality ofpassive in-flow dampers; c. a second inflow chamber comprising: a secondfixed structure having one or more openings for receiving second chamberair flow, and a plurality of passive in-flow dampers; d. an outflowchamber configured between said first and second inflow chambers todirect flow away from the dual wind energy power enhancer system afterimpinging on the air blades; and e. a first flow tube configured todirect air from the first inflow chamber into said air blades, f. asecond flow tube configured to direct air from the second inflow chamberinto said air blades, f. a separation panel extending between the firstinflow chamber and the power generating turbine; wherein said first flowtube extends through said separation panel and is configured to direct afirst phase air flow into said air blades; wherein said air blades areconfigured to extend at least partially into an impingement chamber, andwherein the dual wind energy power enhancer system is configured toutilize said first and second chamber air flow to create power whereinsaid air blades are exposed to both the first phase air flow from thefirst inflow chamber and a first phase air flow from the second inflowchamber and to a second phase air flow from a prevailing wind, whereinthe second phase air flow directly impinges on the air blades.
 22. Thedual wind energy power enhancer system of claim 21, wherein the outflowchamber is configured with air outflow dampers configured around the airblades for preventing a portion of the second phase air flow fromentering the impingement chamber.
 23. The dual wind energy powerenhancer system of claim 21, wherein the impingement chamber comprises aplurality of air deflectors.
 24. The dual wind energy power enhancersystem of claim 21, further comprising at least one air deflectorconfigured in the first inflow chamber or in the second inflow chamberor around the air blades to direct the second phase air flow towards theair blades.
 25. A dual wind energy power enhancer system comprising: a.a first outflow chamber comprising: i. a first fixed structure having aplurality of openings for receiving second phase air flow from aprevailing wind; ii. a first turbine having a first set of air blades inthe form of a reverse flow fan that rotate about an axis; b. a secondoutflow chamber comprising: i. a second fixed structure having aplurality of openings for receiving second phase air flow from theprevailing wind, ii. a second turbine having a second set of air blades;c. an inflow chamber comprising a third fixed structure and a pluralityof openings for receiving first phase air flow from the prevailing wind;d. a first flow tube configured to direct air from the air inflowchamber into said first turbine; and e. a second flow tube configured todirect air from the air inflow chamber into said second turbine; f. afirst separation panel extending between the inflow chamber and thefirst outflow chamber; g. a second separation panel extending betweenthe inflow chamber and the second outflow chamber; wherein the firstflow tube extends through said first separation panel and is configuredto direct a portion of the inflow chamber first phase air flow into saidfirst set of air blades; and wherein the second flow tube extendsthrough said second separation panel and is configured to direct aportion of the inflow chamber first phase air flow into said second setof air blades; and wherein at least one of said first and second sets ofair blades are configured to extend at least partially into said outflowchambers, and wherein the dual wind energy power enhancer system isconfigured to utilize air flow from the inflow chamber to direct airinto said first and second air blades to create wind power, and wherebysaid power enhancing system creates useful power from the prevailingwind; wherein said first and second set of air blades are exposed toboth the first phase air flow from the inflow chamber and to a saidsecond phase air flow, wherein the second phase air flow from theprevailing wind is directed to impinge on the first and second set ofair blades.
 26. The dual wind energy power enhancer system of claim 25,further comprising at least one air deflector configured in the firstinflow chamber or the second inflow chamber or around the air blades todirect the second phase air flow towards the air blades.
 27. The dualwind energy power enhancer system of claim 25, wherein at least one ofthe outflow chambers is configured as an impingement chamber.
 28. Thedual wind energy power enhancer system of claim 25, wherein the outflowchambers are configured with air outflow dampers configured around theair blades in both the first and second outflow chambers for preventinga portion of the second phase air flow from the prevailing wind fromentering the first and second outflow chambers.
 29. The dual wind energypower enhancer system of claim 25, wherein the inflow chamber has afirst inflow area and the flow tube has a flow tube cross-sectionalarea, whereby a ratio of the inflow area to the cross-sectional area ofthe flow tube is greater than 0.01:1.